Be sure to include your name, daytime phone number, address, name and phone number of legal next-of-kin, method of payment, and the name of the funeral home/crematory to contact for verification of death.

52nd Annual Spring Parade of Homes is set to kick-off April 26

Presented by the Home Builder’s Association of Greater Kansas City (HBA) and sponsored by Stewart Title, the Spring Parade of Homes takes place April 26 through May 11.

Highlighting the latest in home design, construction, technology and more, the Parade this year features 377 single-family homes, townhomes and villas constructed by 109 Kansas City area builders on both sides of the state line.

To help prospective homebuyers, the HBA has compiled a free Parade Guide book, an online home search tool at

). Building homes in several communities including Copperleaf, Embassy Park Estates, Woodbrooke Villas, Staley Farms and the Manderley in the Northland, the firm is run by the father-daughter team of John Shilt and Brandy White.

A former industrial arts teacher, certified master electrician and licensed general contractor, Shilt has been in the home-building industry since 1992. Although he credits his success, in part, to an appreciation for quality workmanship developed from his father, he says there is much more to it.

“Being successful in building homes requires a team effort including developers, Realtors, architects, engineers, subcontractors, suppliers, inspectors, lenders and loyal customers,” Shilt said. “We attribute our success to honest, congenial subcontractors with a sincere interest in doing the best job possible and accepting the responsibility of being on a team.”

That team effort has earned the company numerous awards, including two American Dream Grand Awards, a Pick of the Parade Grand Award and a Second Place Distinctive Plan and Design Award.

“Quality homes at a fair price, and outstanding customer service and satisfaction are our number one priorities,” Shilt said. “We are no better than the last home we built, so we set high standards from start to finish, building not just a home but happy memories.”

Possessing a degree in business administration, a passion for design and an eye for detail, White joined the firm in 1998. In addition to working side-by-side with her father on the exterior and framing aspects of their homes, she also focuses on the interior details that bring it all together.

“Most of our floor plans are based around an open flow concept, incorporating large kitchens with center islands including a vegetable sink, multiple laundry rooms, boot benches, extensive trim packages including crown molding and custom columns, and fireplaces with stone to the ceiling,” she said. “Our subcontractors are skilled craftsman using only the finest quality products. As a result, our homes offer outstanding design details that offer distinction and beauty.”

John Shilt Homes encompass a wide variety of standard features some other builders offer as upgrades. These include granite counter tops, iron spindles, front elevations and fireplaces with natural stone, flex and sun rooms, and dual shower heads in the master bathrooms, just to name a few.

These features are combined with numerous energy-efficient building techniques, such as direct vent, two-pipe high efficiency furnaces with dual fuel add-on heat pumps for higher comfort level and reduced moisture. Using an advanced electrostatically enhanced air filtration system helps resist moisture and increase indoor air quality, while high efficiency blown-in insulation eliminates “voids” and provides higher “R” value and better sound quality.

“Our concept of home-building has always focused on providing high quality craftsmanship, building relationships and helping our customers step-by-step to achieve their home of their dreams,” Shilt said.

To that White added, “We want to make sure when you walk into your new home that you are not only satisfied but you love it and can’t wait to share with family and friends.”

About their father-daughter working relationship Shilt said, “We have an open line for communication and encourage and support each other daily. We constantly try to improve and to provide our customers with quality craftsmanship, design and details at a fair price.”

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